sixsigmalarry

iTrader: (8)

Hello all! I bought a 350Z roadster last year and haven't done a thing to it (I know....shame on me). Well, a few weeks ago I started feeling bad about seeing it in the garage ALL stock and decided to start modifying it a little.
A couple weeks ago I bought myself a set of 370Z Nismo wheels (they are being refinished to match the GTR graphite wheels, thought that might look good on my black Z and make the Brembos pop!). I'm going to run 285/35/19 rear and 245/40/19 fronts-should make the rears slightly bigger (like 0.7%) to keep my car's computers from freaking out.
Anyhow, I really need to drop the roadster to eliminate the horrible wheels gap!
So, here is where I could use a little advise .I have always been a fan of H&R springs (they have a good drop and really ride well). Also, I'm a fan of Tokico (easy to install and good ride). So, my question is, will Tokico-D struts handle the H&Rs? (yes, I will be sure to get front and rear control arms)
Also, thinking of buying SPC control arms and rear toe bolts...hear good things. If anyone has a better brand, please feel free to chime in.
Lastly, since I'm tearing up the car during the install, should I do anything else? Bushing? Sway bars?
Thanks!

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Might help to list the miles on your ZR. Also, you'll want to check on the spring rates of your H&Rs before you decide on whether the Tokico-Ds can handle them. Swaybars should be a high priority on your suspension upgrade list.

As for myself, Koni 8241 SA sport dampers with Eibach Prokits have worked just fine on my Z33 coupe.

sixsigmalarry

iTrader: (8)

My roadster has 52k miles on her.

I have read the following:
H&R sport progressive springs 350Z 1.3”/1” drop
Spring rates in LBS 370/400 (peak rates only, softer initial rates are unknown)

I will research to see if the Tokicos can handle it. Thanks!

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

255/35-19 would be a much better front tire, shocks are always nice to do with any drop spring and the LCA bushings are very smart to do on any Z. Whileline makes great bushings that last.

sixsigmalarry

iTrader: (8)

If I go to 255 on the fronts, I'd have to bump the rear tire width so I don't throw off my VDC. I worry that 305s might be too big in the rear. I'll look into it though.
Thanks for the bushing advice!

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

255/35-19 is a perfect match for a 275/35 or 285/35 rear as far as VDC is concerned.

sixsigmalarry

iTrader: (8)

Hello. I still haven't modded my roadster's suspension. I would really appreciate anyone's input on what springs and struts to buy.
I almost bought the Tokico D kit (with springs and struts), but then I wasn't sure on the drop or if it really made sense to have adjustable struts considering it would be a pita to adjust the rears (or make it possible).
Here is what I want. A decent drop that will not cause my tires to rub. So anyone who has advice, please let me know what drop you've experienced (sometimes reality is different than website estimates, also, curious how the roadster's weight will impact the actual drop). Good quality manufacture.
Of course I plan on buying the proper components to adjust toe and camber for the tears and front (I heard some people don't do this, but I think it makes sense - if you disagree, please let me know why).
To recap, I have a 2005 Z roadster now with 55k miles. I plan on putting on 370z NISMO 19" wheels and use the following tire sizes:
F 255 35 19 0.21%>than stock
R 285 35 19 0.65%>than stock........rears>fronts by 3.1% (works, right?!)
Thanks!

350zchad

iTrader: (1)

I have eibach pro kit which included sways and springs, great upgrade and perfect drop.

I have my OEM shocks and have done fine for me, granted I Dont drive her much.

sixsigmalarry

iTrader: (8)

Appreciate your response, Chad. Do you have a roadster? Was the drop more than you anticipated?

350zchad

iTrader: (1)

yes and it's a perfect drop for me...
Several Pics showing the way she sits.. the sways in the kit made a world of a difference on the Dragon, too.

jhc

Jus danm Chad, what do you have on your paint?...
Thot my mb popped...

350zchad

iTrader: (1)

thanks! just properly leveled defect free paint, protected with glass coating

goracerx

I have a 2008 and installed Bilstein+Swift, oh and 2010 Nismo rims (255/285's). It took several thousand miles for the setup to settle in Since it's way lower than I expected, I assume it was the springs that needed breaking in. It's touring comfortable and retains GT handling but it's way too low for my taste and I want to sell them get HKS Coilover SP's instead, to raise the car up to 2 fingers gap.

H&R have a Roadster specific version and since the rear of mine looks lower than pics of the H&R, their rear spring rate must be stiffer.

sixsigmalarry

iTrader: (8)

Can you please post pics of your car or email me some? How many inches did it drop your car? If you cannot post, would you email me some? Curious how those wheels will look on a roadster. Email is: sixsigmalarry at ya hoo dot com
The H&R springs claim to drop the front and rear 1". I wonder how that would look. I liked them and my coupe, but those were a different drop.

goracerx

Drop looks the same as H&R (to me). Less than one finger gap each wheel after break-in. New 245/285 Michelin Pilot Sports.